The Lord Called His People Zion

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Week 6: February 2 - 8: "The Lord Called His People Zion"

Moses 7

Doctrinal Focus

Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

God Prepares a Zion People Through Unity and Righteousness

Zion is defined by the people being “of one heart and one mind” and living in righteousness.

Zion is not just a place but a spiritual condition of God’s people. By seeking to be unified in love, service, and covenant keeping, we create an environment where the Spirit can dwell. This teaches that unity and righteousness are inseparable in building Zion. (Moses 7:18)

God removes poverty and inequality among His people when they live Zion principles.

In Zion, “there was no poor among them.” This shows that consecration, selflessness, and care for one another are natural results of being “one in Christ.” Such equality strengthens communities and reflects the love of God. (Moses 7:18)

God’s Compassion and Glory Extend Over All His Children

God weeps for His children when they suffer, sin, and choose destruction.

Enoch was astonished to see that the God of heaven could weep. This teaches that God’s love is deeply personal and that His heart is moved by the pain and rebellion of His children. Knowing this helps us understand His true nature and motivates us to repent and comfort others. (Moses 7:28–29, 32–33)

God’s grandeur is shown in both His power and His mercy.

Despite His eternal glory and the vastness of His creations, God is still mindful of each soul. His ability to govern the universe while caring intimately for His children reveals both His majesty and His tender compassion. (Moses 7:30–31)

God Will Establish Zion Again Before the Second Coming

Enoch saw that Zion was taken into heaven, but that it will return in the last days to unite with God’s people on earth.

This prophecy reminds us that God’s promises are sure. The vision of Zion’s return inspires disciples to prepare spiritually, to gather Israel, and to establish holy communities now in anticipation of Christ’s millennial reign. (Moses 7:62–64)

God has commanded His people in every dispensation to prepare for Zion’s return.

Zion is both a divine gift and a responsibility. As covenant-keepers, we are called to live in holiness and unity so that when the prophesied day comes, Zion can “come forth out of all the creations” to meet the Lord. (Moses 7:18–19, 62)

Historical & Contextual Insights

Insights in this week’s study

Setting

The account is set in the days of Enoch, a prophet who lived generations before the Flood. The people around him were deeply wicked, yet God called Enoch to preach repentance and prepare a righteous people.

Context

Enoch’s ministry resulted in the establishment of Zion, a holy city so righteous that it was “taken up into heaven” (Moses 7:69). This stands in contrast to the corruption of the broader world, which was headed toward destruction by the Flood in Noah’s time.

Significance

This shows that God can preserve His people even in times of overwhelming wickedness. It provides a model of how covenant communities can remain pure despite external opposition.

Takeaway

In our day, as the world grows increasingly divided and immoral, the story of Zion teaches that holiness, unity, and covenant faithfulness can create spiritual safety and prepare us for Christ’s return.

The vision of God weeping reveals His deep compassion for humanity.

Unlike the distant, impersonal gods of many ancient cultures, the God of Moses 7 is tender, relational, and emotionally invested in His children. Enoch is astonished that such a powerful God could feel sorrow for human suffering and rebellion. This insight helps redefine the nature of divinity for believers.
Ancient peoples often viewed gods as detached beings who cared little for mortals. By contrast, Moses 7 shows a God who mourns human sin and suffering, highlighting His personal love.
This perspective assures us that God understands our trials intimately. His weeping is evidence of His compassion and His desire to comfort, redeem, and save His children.

The city of Zion was not only preserved in ancient times but also serves as a prophetic type for the latter days.

Enoch’s Zion was taken into heaven, but God promised it would return to unite with the Saints before Christ’s millennial reign. Thus, Zion’s ancient establishment foreshadows modern covenant communities, the gathering of Israel, and preparation for the Second Coming.
Zion was a literal society that patterned celestial principles: unity, equality, and holiness. Its return in the last days signifies that such a society is possible again through covenant discipleship.
The prophecy encourages us to actively build Zion in our homes, wards, and communities today, preparing for the time when heavenly and earthly Zions will be joined.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

Criticism 1: “The idea of Zion being taken into heaven is unrealistic or mythological.”

Claim: “Enoch’s city is just a made-up legend with no historical or theological basis.”
Response:
Historical Evidence: Ancient Jewish and Christian texts outside the Bible, such as the Book of Enoch, also preserve traditions of Enoch’s visions and his community being exalted or taken up to heaven. This shows the idea was not invented in modern times.
Eyewitness Support: Modern scripture (Moses 7, JST Genesis) expands on these ancient accounts, aligning with traditions Joseph Smith had no access to in 1830. This provides external validation for the Restoration narrative.
Spiritual Confirmation: Believers can gain personal testimony that Zion is real by seeking the Spirit’s witness of scripture. God’s Spirit confirms eternal truths in ways that historical sources alone cannot.
Logical Analysis: If God is capable of translating individuals (such as Enoch, Elijah, and later, John the Revelator), it follows that He could also preserve an entire city of covenant people.

Criticism 2: “A God who weeps is a contradiction — if He’s all-powerful, He shouldn’t feel sorrow.”

Claim: “Joseph invented an overly humanized God to appeal emotionally.”
Response:
Historical Evidence: The Bible describes God expressing emotions — such as grief over human wickedness (Genesis 6:6) and compassion (Psalm 103:13). This is consistent with Moses 7.
Eyewitness Support: Enoch himself is the eyewitness in the vision, testifying that God’s majesty coexists with His compassion. His astonishment mirrors that of modern readers, showing the authenticity of the experience.
Spiritual Confirmation: The Spirit testifies of God’s love and empathy in our own lives. Many believers feel His sorrow and comfort in times of trial, confirming Moses 7’s portrayal of God.
Logical Analysis: True love necessarily involves vulnerability. An all-loving God would not be indifferent to His children’s suffering. His tears reflect divine strength, not weakness.

Criticism 3: “The prophecy of Zion returning is unrealistic and has never been fulfilled.”

Claim: “Joseph Smith used apocalyptic imagery to motivate followers without basis in reality.”
Response:
Historical Evidence: Prophetic patterns in scripture often show partial fulfillment over time (e.g., Israel’s gathering, Christ’s birth). Zion’s return is in harmony with the way God fulfills promises in stages.
Eyewitness Support: Joseph Smith and early Saints testified of visions and revelations about Zion’s future, aligning with Moses 7. Their sacrifices to establish communities of Saints (like Nauvoo and Salt Lake) reflect belief in this promise.
Spiritual Confirmation: Believers preparing spiritually today can feel the Spirit confirm that Zion’s promises are real and future events are in God’s timing.
Logical Analysis: The concept of Zion provides a moral and social ideal — unity, equality, and holiness — that is not only realistic but transformative. Even partial realization of Zion builds faith in its eventual fulfillment.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Strengthen Zion by seeking unity and love in families, wards, and communities.

Action Step: Reach out to someone you normally wouldn’t interact with this week and serve them in a meaningful way.

Why it helps:

Zion was possible because the people were “of one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18). Acts of unity help remove divisions, soften hearts, and invite the Spirit of the Lord.

How to do it:

– Identify one person you’ve felt distant from.
– Pray for charity and inspiration on how to connect.
– Perform one simple act of kindness or service.
– Follow up with continued contact, showing genuine care.

Encouraging Thought:

Unity is not simply a matter of agreeing; it is a matter of belonging in love. Zion is built by hearts knit together in Christ.

Develop empathy for others by recognizing that God weeps for His children.

Action Step: When tempted to criticize, pause and pray to see the person as God does.

Why it helps:

Moses 7 shows us that even in their sins, people are infinitely loved by God. Learning to see with divine compassion softens judgment and increases patience.

How to do it:

– Notice when negative thoughts arise about someone.
– Pray silently: “Heavenly Father, help me see them as You do.”
– Recall that God mourns their struggles as a loving parent.
– Replace criticism with a thought or act of kindness.

Encouraging Thought:

If the God of heaven can weep for His children, surely I can learn to weep with them, walk with them, and love them.

Live now in a way that reflects Zion’s holiness and equality.

Action Step: Choose one area of life (family, work, church service) where you can practice greater consecration and unity this week.

Why it helps:

God promised that Zion will return in the last days (Moses 7:62–64). Living Zion principles now prepares us spiritually and practically for Christ’s millennial reign.

How to do it:

– Reflect: “What does living Zion principles look like for me today?”
– Set a simple, measurable goal (e.g., share resources, forgive someone, volunteer).
– Act intentionally on that goal each day.
– Review progress in prayer and recommit.

Encouraging Thought:

Zion isn’t just a future city — it’s a way of living today, a society of holiness that begins in my own home and heart.

Ideas for Teaching

Of One Heart and One Mind

Objective: Help learners understand how unity builds Zion.

Materials Needed:

Paper hearts (cutouts) and tape.

Activity Steps:

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Give each learner a paper heart and ask them to write one word that describes what helps people feel united. Tape the hearts together on the board to form one large “Zion heart.”
Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Moses 7:18. Discuss what it means to be “of one heart and one mind” and why “there was no poor among them.”
Application (5 min): Invite learners to share one way they could create more unity in their family, ward, or community this week.

Follow-Up Question: What specific things can we do to overcome division and become “of one heart and one mind”?

The God Who Weeps

Objective: Teach that God’s compassion shows His deep love for His children.

Materials Needed:

Whiteboard and markers.

Activity Steps:

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Ask: “When have you felt someone cry with you in your pain? How did it affect you?” Write a few responses on the board.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Moses 7:28–29. Ask learners why Enoch was surprised that God could weep. Discuss what this teaches about God’s nature.

Application (5 min): Challenge learners to look for opportunities this week to show empathy — to “weep with those that weep” (Romans 12:15).

Follow-Up Question: How does knowing that God weeps for His children change the way you see Him — and others?

Preparing for Zion’s Return

Objective: Inspire learners to live today in ways that prepare for Zion’s return.

Materials Needed:

Index cards, pens.

Activity Steps:

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Ask: “If Zion came tomorrow, what would need to change in your life for you to feel ready to live there?” Have learners jot their answers on index cards (kept private).

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Moses 7:62–64. Discuss God’s promise to bring Zion again and what it teaches about our role in preparing for it.

Application (5 min): Invite each person to set one personal goal (on their card) to live more like a Zion person this week.

Follow-Up Question: What does it mean to live ‘Zion-like’ now, even before the city of Zion returns?

QUICK REFERENCE

Key Points

Zion is defined by unity, righteousness, and care for the poor (Moses 7:18).
God weeps for His children, showing His compassion and personal involvement in our lives (Moses 7:28–29).
Enoch’s vision of Zion’s return foreshadows the latter-day gathering and preparation for Christ’s millennial reign (Moses 7:62–64).
Zion is not just a future city but a present way of living — in families, wards, and communities.
The Book of Moses restores truths about Enoch that were lost or only partially preserved in other ancient writings.

Core Apologetic Answers

Why trust modern prophets?
- God has always worked through prophets to reveal His will (Amos 3:7). Joseph Smith’s revelations restored lost truths, including details about Enoch’s Zion that align with ancient traditions Joseph could not have accessed in 1830. The consistency across dispensations testifies that modern prophets continue the same divine pattern.
- Why does God allow mistakes?

- Prophets are human and not free from error, but God guides His work through them (Doctrine and Covenants 1:24–28). Just as Enoch learned to overcome weakness with God’s help (Moses 6:31–34), modern prophets may learn and grow, yet their inspired direction helps God’s people prepare for Zion.

Key Resources

Scriptures